EP recognises importance of lead-time but clings to targets that are too stringent

The European automobile manufacturers welcome the recognition by the European Parliament that the car industry needs sufficient lead-time to adjust to new legal requirements. However, the Parliament’s report fails to call for a comprehensive, cost-effective approach towards reducing CO2 emissions from cars and clings to car technology targets that are too stringent.

“The European car industry urges the EU institutions to adopt a comprehensive, integrated approach based on a transparent and thorough impact assessment, following the principles of better regulation”, said Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) in Brussels. With an integrated approach - combining new car technology with the increased use of biofuels, adjustments of infrastructure, a more economical driving style and CO2-related taxation - larger gains can be achieved for the environment, whilst safeguarding investments and employment levels in Europe.

“The manufacturers support the EU objective of 120 grammes per kilometre and will play their part.
They spend 20 billion Euro annually on research & development, they have introduced over 50 CO2- cutting technologies in the past decade and many more are in the pipeline”, added Hodac. “Within an integrated approach, the large majority of carbon reductions will still come from car technology. The EU should now agree on realistic carbon reduction targets for the car industry.”

Proper lead-time is of crucial importance to the automotive industry because of long development phases, enormous investments and lengthy production cycles. “The upcoming CO2 legislation is not likely to be adopted before 2009. In the meantime, the car industry will continue to introduce further CO2-reducing solutions. But, as the European Parliament has recognised, specific legislative requirements need to be known long ahead to adjust manufacturing processes”, said Hodac.

The European automotive industry is key to the strength and competitiveness of Europe. The ACEA
members are BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler, FIAT, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Scania, Volkswagen and Volvo. They provide direct employment to more than 2.3 million people and support another 10 million jobs in related sectors.